Pablo Sanchez and Awer Mabil start in attack for Adelaide United as they bid to top the A-League ladder as they face Melbourne City FC at AAMI Park.

The strikers, who both came on as substitutes during last week's 2-1 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers, will play either side of Bruce Djite.

Behind them in a midfield three are Sergio Cirio, James Jeggo and Marcelo Carrusca.

Craig Goodwin comes in at left-back, with Michael Marrone on the right and a centre-back partnership of Tarek Elrich and Dylan McGowan in front of goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic.

For Melbourne, Massimo Murdocca and Safuwan Baharudin are the only changes to the side who drew 0-0 with Perth Glory last weekend.

Melbourne City XI: Velaphi; Jaliens, Chapman, Kisnorbo, Clisby; Murdocca, Paartalu, Mooy; Baharudin, Kennedy, Koren

Adelaide United XI: Galekovic; Marrone, McGowan, Elrich, Goodwin; Carrusca, Jeggo, Cirio; Mabil, Djite, Sanchez